Kingston Dragon Boat Festival

for Heart and Stroke 2017

The Heart and Stroke Foundation is a not for profit organization that works to save the lives of people who are affected by heart disease and stroke. In the last
60 years, the time and money donated by Canadians has allowed the Heart and Stroke foundation to make breakthroughs in medicine such as heart transplant surgery and stroke treatments that continue to
help save the lives of Canadians.

Holding events such as the Dragon Boat Festival allows the Heart and Stroke Foundation to raise the funds they need in order to continue
their research and further reduce the death rate of people living with these life-threatening diseases.

The Heart and Stroke Foundation is a not for profit organization that works to save the lives of people who are affected by heart disease and stroke. In the last
60 years, the time and money donated by Canadians has allowed the Heart and Stroke foundation to make breakthroughs in medicine such as heart transplant surgery and stroke treatments that continue to
help save the lives of Canadians.

Holding events such as the Dragon Boat Festival allows the Heart and Stroke Foundation to raise the funds they need to continue their
research and further reduce the death rate of people living with these life-threatening diseases.

The History of the Dragon Boat Festival

The dragon is the most recognized of the Chinese zodiac deities and symbolizes control over the water. Dragon Boat races brings a time honored tradition that has been celebrated for more than
2,400 years. Today, it is the second largest public holiday in the Orient, after Chinese New Years.

Dragon Boat racing has become one of the fastest growing water sports. The Dragon Boat Festival is an exciting period of rowing competitions marked by the eating of rice dumpling called "Ma
Chang". In some Chinese-speaking societies, the day is also known as the "Poets' Day".

The Legend behind the Dragon Boat Festival embodies the story of love and service for one's country. About 2,300 years ago, during the Warring States period, a well-respected poet and statesmen
named, “Qu Yuan", lived in the Chinese Kingdom of Chu and served the government with integrity as Minister of State. He was disturbed by the corruption and by the court intrigues of many courtiers
who resented his talent, popularity and sense of righteousness. One version said that other officials convinced the Emperor that Qu Yuan was corrupt, that his plea for reforms be ignored and was
banished from the Kingdom.

For years, he wandered the countryside composing poems expressing his patriotism and love for the people. Either as an act of despair or an ultimate protest against the corrupt government, Qu Yuan
threw himself into the Mei Lo River on the fifth day of the fifth month in the year 278 B.C.

Today, the Dragon Boat Festival is held every year worldwide, which has made dragon boat racing one of the world’s fastest growing water sports.

The Kingston Dragon Boat Festival provides remarkable and exciting dragon boat events to raise money for local charities. This year, all proceeds with go to the Heart
& Stroke Foundation to fund lifesaving research. To enter the event, no previous is experience is required and safety and techniques will be provided during practice sessions. The Kingston Dragon
Boat Festival is primarily a fun event that highlights the Chinese history and culture.

Join the excitement of dragonboating by getting involved with the Kingston Dragon Boat Club.

Discover your inner dragon! Have fun, meet new friends and enjoy a team building healthy experience in the great outdoors.